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From movies to books, from web series to fanfiction, Jane Austen has been a fan favorite for centuries. Unforgettable is Mr. Darcy emerging from the lake in the 1995 BBC limited series or Mr. Darcy flexing his hand in the 2005 movie adaptation. However, there is also another side. Charlotte Brontë famously disliked Jane Austen and her works. She wrote to a friend, "Why do you like Miss Austen so very much? I am puzzled on that point." Similarly, Mark Twain could not be convinced of Austen's talent. He wrote, “I have to stop every time I begin. Everytime I read 'Pride and Prejudice' I want to dig her up and beat her over the skull with her own shin-bone.” These are just some of the reactions to Jane Austen over the last two centuries.
In this course, we are going to look at Austen's works and life from various viewpoints and media to analyze how her works have endured and why we love to enter her Regency world again and again. Readings will include Pride and Prejudice, Jo Baker's Longbourn, clips and episodes from various TV shows and movies. Additionally, we will look at the cultural impact Austen has had, particularly in recent years and our culturally charged moment. |
